Arvo vs Excel / Spreadsheets
Full control vs. intelligent coaching. Excel stores your data. Arvo uses it to make you stronger.
The real question: Do you want a filing cabinet for your workout data, or a coach that tells you what to do with it?
Quick Summary
Arvo
AI Coach in your pocket
- Tells you what weight to use
- Manages fatigue automatically
- Tracks volume scientifically
- Ready in minutes
Excel / Sheets
Ultimate flexibility
- Complete customization
- Free (Google Sheets)
- Own your data completely
- Zero intelligence
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Arvo | Excel/Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (beta) / €6/mo | Free (Sheets) / $6-10/mo |
| Intelligence | 20 AI agents | None (manual formulas) |
| Weight Suggestions | AI per set | Manual calculation |
| Flexibility | Methodology-based | Unlimited |
| Volume Tracking | MEV/MAV/MRV automatic | Manual formulas |
| Fatigue Management | Automatic deload triggers | Manual tracking |
| Setup Time | Minutes | Hours to days |
| Mobile Use | Native app | Clunky on phone |
| Data Export | JSON/CSV | Native formats |
| Exercise Library | 1300+ with biomechanics | Manual entry |
| Offline Mode | Full AI functionality | Full functionality |
| Custom Metrics | Predefined + notes | Unlimited custom |
| Progressive Overload | AI-managed | Manual planning |
Key Differences
Intelligence vs Storage
Excel stores numbers. Arvo interprets them. When you log a tough set, Arvo adjusts your next set's weight. Excel just... has the number. The data is the same; what happens with it is completely different.
Speed of Decision
Arvo tells you what weight to use in under 500ms. With Excel, you check your last session, calculate progression, consider how you feel... that's 30+ seconds of cognitive load per set.
Flexibility Trade-off
Excel lets you track anything: sleep quality, grip width, moon phases. Arvo focuses on what matters for progress. Sometimes constraints are features. But if you need exotic metrics, spreadsheets win.
True Cost
Google Sheets is free. Your time isn't. Setting up a good workout spreadsheet takes hours. Maintaining it takes constant attention. Arvo's €6/month buys you time and the coaching brain you'd need to build in formulas.
When to Use Each
Use Excel/Sheets if:
- • You're an advanced lifter who knows exactly what to do
- • You need to track metrics no app supports
- • You enjoy building and tweaking spreadsheets
- • You want complete ownership of raw data
Use Arvo if:
- • You want intelligent weight suggestions
- • You don't want to think about programming
- • You want automated fatigue management
- • You value your time at the gym
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I track workouts in Excel?
Excel works for basic logging if you know exactly what you're doing. But it has zero intelligence - it won't suggest weights, manage fatigue, or adapt to your performance. If you're an advanced lifter who wants full control, Excel is fine. For everyone else, an AI app like Arvo provides guidance you'd otherwise need a coach for.
Is Excel free for workout tracking?
Google Sheets is free. Microsoft Excel requires a subscription or one-time purchase. But 'free' has hidden costs: time spent setting up, maintaining formulas, manually calculating progression, and zero coaching. Arvo's €6/month includes the intelligence that makes training effective.
What can Arvo do that Excel can't?
Arvo suggests weights for every set based on your performance, tracks MEV/MAV/MRV volume landmarks, triggers automatic deloads when you're fatigued, implements complete training methodologies, and adapts in real-time. Excel stores numbers. The gap isn't features - it's intelligence.
Can I import my Excel data to Arvo?
Currently Arvo doesn't have Excel import, but the AI learns your patterns quickly. After a few workouts, it understands your strength levels. Your historical data from Excel helped you track; Arvo will help you progress.
Is an app better than a spreadsheet?
For pure data storage, spreadsheets offer unlimited flexibility. For training guidance, apps like Arvo are infinitely better. The question isn't 'app vs spreadsheet' - it's 'do you want a filing cabinet or a coach?'
Why do people use Excel for workouts?
Flexibility, free cost, and full control. Some lifters have complex tracking needs that apps don't support. But most people using Excel are doing it because they haven't found an app smart enough to replace their spreadsheet. Arvo was built to be that app.
Ready to Upgrade from Spreadsheets?
Your Excel sheet tracked your workouts. Arvo will coach them. AI-powered progression for €6/month. Free during beta.
Start Free Trial